Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/202

186 have a box or parcel to deliver from the stage coach or mail; the favourite being a basket of game, part of which is visible at one corner, such as the foot of a hare, or the neck of wild fowl. Upon laying open the cheatery, you have no other present than that I have just mentioned, besides a good hard stone or two, and a little hay, with which you may wipe down the perspiration which must hereupon necessarily supervene.

In all expositions such as these, there is nothing like adducing instances, or as we stiffly call them "cases," which have been decided; and although our word is not to be doubted, so far as we know, the names have been as constantly inserted as they appeared necessary, together with the dates, when they were known or appeared requisite.

Sir John Sylvester, our Recorder, himself underwent the master-do some two or three years ago, in manner following. Going to the Sessions House in the Old Bailey one morning, upon the grand patter, in much haste, he left his watch behind; and, vexed at the circumstance, he opened to Mr. Common Sergeant, "tut! tut! if I have not left my watch hanging against the bead of the bed!"